Meet Elaine Hong | Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elaine Hong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elaine, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
An affirmation I turn to often is “Don’t chase perfection. Keep learning. Remember to have fun.”

It’s a reminder that applies to both my work and how I move through the world. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make something flawless or question what success should look like, but I’ve learned that perfection isn’t the goal. The beauty in my pieces lies in the fact that no two are exactly alike; and that’s what makes them so special.

Just like fabric carries its quirks and natural dye shifts in color, so do we. Style is personal. There’s no such thing as a perfect garment. The more I let go of that idea, the more joy I find in creating.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My path with Good Karma has been anything but linear, but it’s been deeply fulfilling. I’ve worn a lot of hats and learned everything just by doing. By trying new things and always keeping an open mind and willingness to figure it out what I didn’t know along the way.

It hasn’t been easy. There have been plenty of setbacks—delayed shipments, sizing issues, learning how to scale without losing quality. But I’ve kept going because I believe in this work. Every time a customer tells me how much they love the way a piece feels, or that they wore it for something special, it reminds me why I started.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to start before you feel ready. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to care, to listen, and to stay true to what matters. By doing that, you’re already ahead.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d curate the experience around what they love. That’s the beauty of LA: there’s something for everyone. You can snowboard and hit the beach in the same day, eat at a Michelin spot or a taco truck, and still have time for a show or night out. You can go shopping, go to a comedy club, event a concert. You can do it all!

If it were up to me, I’d plan a little staycation somewhere close but scenic, like a cabin in Big Bear or an Airbnb in Venice.

Midweek, I’d bring us back into the city and fully lean into being tourists. I think it’s fun to be a tourist in your own city sometimes—like taking one of those big red tour buses through Hollywood, go to the Griffith Observatory, walk Abbot Kinney, eat dumplings in SGV, or explore the farmers market at The Grove. As long as we’re having a good time, I’m in!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people I need to shout out because Good Karma wouldn’t exist without them. First, my grandmother. Her sewing machine was the sound of my childhood. It paid the bills, lulled me to sleep, and taught me what it means to work with your hands and your heart. She raised me in handmade clothes and gave me a deep respect for the time and love that goes into every garment. I carry that with me in everything I make.

Second, Nana, my dear friend who gave me the dress that started it all. It was a beautiful Thai cotton dress, hand-embroidered with bright orange carrots. I wore it constantly until it literally fell apart. At the time, I didn’t know much about sustainable fashion or how to care for natural fibers, and when I asked her to help me find another, she couldn’t. It wasn’t mass-produced and it was never meant to be. That sparked something in me. With Nana’s help, we started reaching out to artisans in Thailand and sourcing handmade pieces to sell on Etsy. I began with just five pieces at a time, hoping they’d find the right homes. Slowly, they did. Each positive review felt like a sign to keep going, and has pushed me to where I am today.

And of course, Andy, my partner who supports me in everything. Whether it’s setting up my booth at events, looking at fabrics, or just talking through ideas, he’s been there at every step.

There are so many others to name. Friends who have supported, modeled, and helped at my events. I am eternally grateful. Good Karma was born from love and friendship. It continues to grow because of the people who believe in it.

Website: https://www.madebygoodkarma.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebygoodkarma

Image Credits
Laura Nguyen